• Video
  • Shop
  • Culture
  • Family
  • Wellness
  • Food
  • Living
  • Style
  • Travel
  • News
  • Book Club
  • GMA3: WYNTK
  • Newsletter
  • Privacy Policy
  • Your US State Privacy Rights
  • Children's Online Privacy Policy
  • Interest-Based Ads
  • Terms of Use
  • Do Not Sell My Info
  • Contact Us
  • © 2025 ABC News
  • Travel

Airline offers free rapid tests in attempt at COVID-free flights

2:48
Passenger on 1st cruise ship to resume sailing tests positive for COVID
United
Genevieve Shaw-Brown
ByGenevieve Shaw Brown
November 17, 2020, 4:04 PM

For even the most experienced travelers, getting on a plane during a pandemic is bound to give pause. One airline is attempting to ease travelers' minds by testing each passenger for COVID-19 just prior to boarding.

On Monday, everyone on United flight 14 from Newark Liberty International Airport to London's Heathrow participated in the airline's new transatlantic COVID-19 testing pilot program. The airline provided free rapid tests to every passenger over 2 years old and all crew members on board to make sure everyone tested negative prior to departure.

United passengers and crew received rapid COVID tests prior to boarding a Newark to London flight on Nov. 16, 2020.
United

The airline said in a press release that the rapid Abbott ID Now COVID-19 test administered by Premise Health was offered on-site at the airport.

Related Articles

MORE: Here are 11 places travelers hope to go in 2021

The test will be used on passengers traveling on United Flight 14, departing at 7:15 p.m., Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays for the next four weeks, according to the airline. Customers booking these flights will have the option to confirm their willingness to participate in the trial or be accommodated on another flight. Customers who opt-in will receive information prior to travel in order to schedule a testing appointment at least three hours before their flight departs. All customers are still subject to current U.K. entry requirements, including the 14-day quarantine rule.

Related Articles

MORE: Is it safe to travel this year for the holidays amid the COVID-19 pandemic? Consider these risks

United is not the only airline offering COVID-19 testing for passengers.

In September, Hawaiian Airlines announced dedicated drive-through COVID-19 tests in select U.S. mainland gateways to guests to bypass the state of Hawaii's quarantine. The cost is $90 for results within 36 hours, or $150 for day-of-travel express service. In October, the airline expanded the service to include at-home testing with real time audio-video supervision. American Airlines also offers COVID testing for certain destinations.

Related Topics

  • Coronavirus

Up Next in Travel—

What US travelers need to know amid anti-tourism protests in Europe

June 16, 2025

Protect your luggage with these travel security essentials that frequent flyers swear by

June 5, 2025

Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World to get 'largest expansion' with new national park-themed attraction

June 3, 2025

Pigeons board a Delta flight, causing pandemonium and 2 trips back to the gate

May 27, 2025

Shop GMA Favorites

ABC will receive a commission for purchases made through these links.

Sponsored Content by Taboola

The latest lifestyle and entertainment news and inspiration for how to live your best life - all from Good Morning America.
  • Contests
  • Terms of Use
  • Privacy Policy
  • Do Not Sell My Info
  • Children’s Online Privacy Policy
  • Advertise with us
  • Your US State Privacy Rights
  • Interest-Based Ads
  • About Nielsen Measurement
  • Press
  • Feedback
  • Shop FAQs
  • ABC News
  • ABC
  • All Videos
  • All Topics
  • Sitemap

© 2025 ABC News
  • Privacy Policy— 
  • Your US State Privacy Rights— 
  • Children's Online Privacy Policy— 
  • Interest-Based Ads— 
  • Terms of Use— 
  • Do Not Sell My Info— 
  • Contact Us— 

© 2025 ABC News